Nevada Bill Targets Brutal Puppy Mills: Aims for Tougher Regulations

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Legislation aimed at curbing the operations of puppy mills has been approved by the Nevada Senate. Assembly Bill 487 seeks to ban pet shops from selling dogs and cats as profitable commodities. This bill was endorsed by the Nevada Assembly with a substantial margin, tallying up to 32 votes in favor against only nine opposed.

Supporters of the legislation argued that it would enable retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters or rescue organizations for adoption events without receiving any payment.

"We have numerous shelters across our community, located in both northern and southern Nevada, that are brimming with delightful, charming, and ready-to-adopt animals," stated Rebecca Goff, the Nevada State Director of Humane World for Animals.

AB 487 aims to prevent pet stores from engaging in the sale, offer-to-sell, trading, auctions, or transfers related to dogs and cats, except when these actions involve animal shelters and rescue groups.

This is truly crucial for our state since it would halt the puppy mill to pet shop supply chain," Goff explained. "These establishments transport large numbers of puppies from Midwest breeding facilities directly to Nevada stores." He continued, "The living conditions for these animals are appalling. Even those puppy mills complying with USDA regulations fall short as their requirements represent barely adequate standards at most.

The legislation is commonly known as Cindy Lou’s Law, named after a Havanese dog that was abandoned in the storage area of a pet store and subsequently passed away due to liver failure. Supporters of AB 487 emphasize the importance of ensuring both animal and owner well-being.

I purchased a puppy from Petland at Boca Park," stated Christine Miller, who owns Paws on Point. "Unfortunately, six months later, the puppy passed away.

"Restrictions on retail pet sales curtail customer safeguards and options without providing any real assistance to dogs," stated the American Kennel Club, which opposes the legislation, in a release.

However, Goff said there is a middle ground for both sides.

“[Retail pet stores] can still partner with rescues, have pet adoptions to bring people into the stores, but just sell products and services instead of live animals,” Goff said.

For people looking for a new furry friend, Miller said adoption is the way to go.

“I would prefer people to adopt from the shelter since they’re completely booked out and full,” Miller said.

If you’re looking for a specific breed, the Humane World for Animals recommends seeking out a reputable breeder.

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